The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strict directive to the state government to ensure rigorous enforcement of the ban on Chinese manjha a dangerously sharp nylon kite string linked to multiple deaths and serious injuries.
The court ruled that if a minor is found flying a kite with banned manjha, their parents or guardians can be held legally responsible, and all violators including sellers and users can face prosecution under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence.
Ahead of the Makar Sankranti festival, the bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi emphasised the need for widespread public awareness campaigns and concrete enforcement measures to curb the persistent use of the hazardous thread.
Stern Judicial Orders, Public Safety at Stake
On Monday, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the ordinary and fatal incidents caused by Chinese manjha, directing the state government to go beyond mere notifications and undertake strict ground-level enforcement of the existing ban.
The court pointed to several tragic cases in recent weeks, including the deaths of a 16-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man in separate manjha-related accidents, where their throats were allegedly slit by the razor-sharp nylon string.
During the hearing, the bench noted that despite previous orders banning Chinese manjha and repeated warnings, the banned thread continues to be used during kite-flying festivities, posing serious risks to the general public, two-wheeler riders and even birds. This ongoing hazard has prompted the court to issue fresh directives aimed at preventing further tragedy.
The court’s order specifically calls for wide publicity to inform people that selling or using the banned manjha can invite legal action under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 which deals with death caused by negligent acts as well as corresponding provisions that were previously part of the Indian Penal Code (304-A).
Accountability & Awareness: Government Response
Representatives of the state government informed the court that steps have already been taken to prevent the sale of Chinese manjha and that authorities are implementing precautionary measures to stop accidents tied to its use.
Importantly, the government assured the bench that print and electronic media campaigns would be rolled out to educate the public about the dangers of the prohibited thread and the legal consequences of violating the ban.
District Magistrate Shivam Verma told the court that necessary administrative orders would be issued promptly and circulated to neighbouring districts to ensure uniform compliance across the region. However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction with past enforcement efforts, urging officials and law enforcement to demonstrate seriousness and urgency in preventing further loss of life.
Across the state, law enforcement agencies appear to have taken the court’s concerns seriously: in Indore, police recently arrested three individuals found in possession of banned Chinese manjha during a special crackdown, indicating a more proactive approach to enforcement. Meanwhile in Ujjain, local police seized 47 reels of Chinese manjha, including from a minor, and held them accountable under existing restrictions as a deterrent message.
A Broader Pattern of Danger
Chinese manjha, typically made of nylon and sometimes coated with glass particles, is far sharper and more durable than traditional cotton threads. While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned such hazardous kite strings in 2017 to protect humans, animals and the environment, illegal manufacture and distribution persist across many states.
In neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh, similar incidents continue to surface. A recent case in Raipur saw a woman suffer serious injuries requiring stitches after she was struck by banned manjha, prompting the state’s Chief Minister to appeal to citizens to fully shun the dangerous thread during upcoming festivals and to increase enforcement efforts.
Despite legal restrictions, enforcement remains challenging. Police in symptoms of resurgence have seized and fined vendors selling banned manjha, and municipal bodies claim regular raids are ongoing, but accidents continue to draw public attention to enforcement gaps.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While kite flying is an enduring celebration woven into India’s festive culture, it should never endanger lives or compromise public safety. The High Court’s unequivocal stance underlines a larger moral and legal obligation traditions must evolve without inflicting harm. Holding parents and guardians accountable for their children’s actions also reflects a broader societal need to encourage responsible behaviour and community vigilance.
However, punitive measures alone will not stem the tide of preventable injuries and deaths. True success lies in sustained public education, community engagement, and consistent enforcement, supported by citizens who prioritise empathy and care over competition.
